Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has defended First Lady Remi Tinubu’s advice encouraging unemployed Nigerians to engage in petty trading as a means of earning a living
Speaking during an interview on the Mic-On podcast, Dare said many people had misunderstood the First Lady’s comments about starting small businesses such as selling akara, kuli-kuli and roasted corn.
According to him, there is dignity in such businesses, adding that his own mother sold akara, bananas and oranges to fund his education.
“My mother sold akara, bananas and oranges in Jos, Plateau State, and through this, they were able to train me. There’s nothing wrong with that,” Dare said.
Responding to the Remi Tinubu’s backlash, Dare urged Nigerians not to underestimate the importance of the informal sector, describing it as a major contributor to the country’s economy.
“When you look at the informal sector of our country, its resilience continues to ease this economy.
“It’s because of these small-scale entrepreneurs — those that sell akara and kuli-kuli. You find them predominantly everywhere, and also in the North. They are very significant,” Dare added.
He maintained that the First Lady’s message was simply to encourage people to develop entrepreneurial skills and remain productive.
“Her point is that whatever it is, try and do something, have some level of entrepreneurial skill,” he said.
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